Heel Pain in Young Athletes: What Parents Need to Know About Sever’s Disease
June 2025
By Essendon Sports Medicine Team
With junior footy season underway, our team at Essendon Sports Medicine has seen a sharp rise in young athletes presenting with heel pain.
One of the most common causes? Sever’s Disease — a growth-related overuse injury that can derail a young player’s season if left unaddressed.
If your child is limping after training, avoiding activity, or constantly complaining of sore heels, here’s what you need to know — and how we can help.
What Is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s Disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is not a disease, but rather a common inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel. It typically affects kids between 8–14 years old, especially during growth spurts when the bones grow faster than the muscles and tendons.
High-impact sports like football, basketball, netball, and athletics put repetitive stress through the heel — especially when paired with tight calf muscles and poor load management.
Why Does Sever's Flare Up at the Start of Footy Season?
We often see Sever’s crop up around season start, and here’s why:
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Sudden spike in activity after a quiet off-season
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Poorly fitted or new footy boots that increase pressure on the heel
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Hard playing surfaces early in the season
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Growth spurts increasing tension through the Achilles tendon
Together, these factors overload the heel’s growth plate, leading to inflammation, pain, and reduced performance.
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Common Signs and Symptoms
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Heel pain during or after activity
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Limping, especially after training or first thing in the morning
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Tenderness when squeezing the back of the heel
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Reluctance to participate in sport or reduced running ability
These symptoms are often mistaken for “just growing pains” — but they should be properly assessed to prevent prolonged discomfort or more serious injury.
How We Help at Essendon Sports Medicine
Our multidisciplinary team — including podiatrists, sports doctors, and physiotherapists — works together to:
✅ Identify the root cause of heel pain
✅ Assess your child’s foot biomechanics, muscle flexibility, and training load
✅ Provide a clear, personalised treatment plan
This might include short-term load reduction, targeted strengthening, footwear advice, heel lifts, or custom orthotics when needed.
Boot Fit Matters
One of the biggest contributors to Sever’s is poorly fitted football boots. A stiff boot with a low heel drop and tight heel counter can add significant pressure to the heel.
When buying boots:
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Ensure there’s adequate cushioning under the heel
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Avoid narrow or shallow designs that compress the back of the foot
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Consider a boot with a small heel raise to offload the Achilles
For more tips, check out our Footy Boot Fitting Guide here.
Don’t Let Heel Pain Sideline Their Season
The earlier we address Sever’s, the quicker your child can return to full activity — and stay there.
If your child is showing signs of heel pain, book them in for a sports assessment with one of our expert team members. We'll help them get back to doing what they love, safely.
📞 Call us or book online today
For further reading from our onsite podiatry team of Melbourne Podiatry Clinic, you can view this blog on Understanding Sever's Disease - A Podiatrist's Perspective.
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